Our Auto Picks identify more than 50 cars, trucks and vans we recommend, from many automakers and for the reasons they offer them. But is there one brand that stands out as delivering the most for the money?
Actually, there is. In Money’s first such award, we are naming Hyundai as our 2025 Best Brand for the Money. The Korean automaker offers great overall value, including a class-leading warranty offering that is particularly reassuring to buyers – including those who are stepping into the emerging technologies used in EVs and hybrids for the first time. are
Hyundai’s supremacy is reflected in our picks lists. The company claimed awards in 8 of our 11 categories. It was not considered for the rest of the categories because Hyundai does not make the types of vehicles included in those lists – minivans, sports cars and luxury vehicles.
The company has particular strengths when it comes to electric powered vehicles. EVs earned Best Overall awards for both of our electric vehicle categories: the Hyundai Ioniq 6 was named Best Affordable Electric Cars and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was named Best Affordable Electric SUVs. Also, it has a 3-row EV in the works: the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is expected to launch in early 2025.
What made Hyundai different?
Each of the Hyundai models we’ve selected (below) consistently delivers excellent value for money, with plenty of standard safety features and excellent fuel economy. You’ll also save on repair costs, as Hyundai vehicles are covered by the manufacturer’s standout warranty, which provides five-year/60,000-mile limited coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Hyundai is also relatively reliable, according to the latest Consumer Reports analysis. The automaker finished 11th out of 30 brands evaluated in the testing organization’s reliability rankings.
The company’s cars are not without their weak points. Most notably, the Hyundai features under-refined engines that produce an undemanding ride. But if you’re looking for comfort, reliability and value, a Hyundai can give you the most bang for your buck.
Here’s the full list of individual Hyundais we’ve named to this year’s polls, and the specific reasons we did so:
Nice little cars: Best for the value, Hyundai Elantra
Best Midsize Cars: Best for safety, Hyundai Sonata
The best small SUVs: Good for warranty, Hyundai Tucson
The best midsize SUVs: Best for cargo space, Hyundai Santa Fe
Best big SUVs: Good for warranty, Hyundai Palisade
Best pickup truck: Good for warranty, Hyundai Santa Cruz
The best electric cars: Best overall, Hyundai Ioniq 6
The best electric SUVs: Best overall, Hyundai Ioniq 5
Runner-up: Kia, and how Hyundai compares
Hyundai’s corporate cousin Kia comes close to its family member’s track record. This, through vehicles sharing many features with our best-in-class brand, offers excellent value for money. Kia earned our picks in seven categories.
The Kia offers similar warranty coverage and generally the same performance as its Hyundai counterpart, at a comparable starting price, with similar cargo space and standard infotainment and safety features.
Hyundai gained an edge in part because, unlike Kia, it competes in the pickup truck segment. And competes very well. In addition to fresh styling and other features for the 2025 model year, the Hyundai Santa Cruz also boasts the lowest starting price and best fuel efficiency of any pickup truck on our list.
The Korean brand’s small and midsize cars, the Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Sonata, also feature some of the lowest starting prices in their categories. Meanwhile, its small Hyundai Tucson, midsize Hyundai Santa Fe, and three-row Hyundai Palisade SUVs are comfortable for families looking for great sporty styling and performance at an affordable price.
However, Hyundai’s EVs are this year’s breakout stars. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the total package, with best-in-class range, engaging driving dynamics and a cabin chock full of standard features. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also offers an attractive combination: an attractive angular design, a roomy cabin and a comfortable ride.
